Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2024 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Austyn Modrzewski of
Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch) is the 2024 MaxPreps Colorado High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound senior quarterback led the Golden Eagles to an 11-1 record and Class 5A quarterfinal appearance.
On the season, Modrzewski threw for 3,407 yards and a state record 57 touchdowns while completing 73.4 percent of his attempts. He was also dynamic with his feet rushing for 228 yards and four scores.
MaxPreps Colorado Player of the Year Austin Modrzewski leaves Mountain Vista as the state's career record holder for passing yards and touchdowns. (Photo: Derek Regensburger)
In addition to his single-season touchdown pass mark, Modrzewski is the state record holder for career passing yards (11,911) and career touchdown passes (147). He also produced two of the top 20 single-season yardage totals in Colorado history with 3,675 as a junior (10th all-time) and the 3,407 this season (17th).
In his final high school game, Modrzewski completed 25 of 34 passes for 303 yards and five touchdowns in a 49-45 loss to Fairview (Boulder). He added six carries for 63 yards and another score.
Modrzewski threw for a season-high 425 yards to go along with five touchdowns in a 62-21 win over Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch) in early October, completing 22 of 25 pass attempts.
Behind Modrzewski's arm and legs, Mountain Vista averaged 53.7 points per game and scored at least 35 points in every game. The Golden Eagles opened the season by putting up 83 points in a win over Pearl City (Hawaii) as their star signa caller completed 16 of 21 passes for 338 yards and six touchdowns.
247Sports pegs Modrzewski as the No. 8 senior prospect in the state. He signed with South Dakota last week
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Colorado Players of the Year
2020 — Myles Purchase, CB, Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
2021 — Gavin Sawchuk, RB, Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch)
2022 — Blake Purchase, EDGE, Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
2023 — Josh Snyder, RB, Columbine (Littleton)
